Senator George Borrello Calls on Governor Hochul to End Dangerous National Guard Deployment in Prisons, Negotiate with Correction Officers

ALBANY, NY – Senator George Borrello today issued a formal letter to Governor Kathy Hochul demanding an immediate halt to the reckless deployment of 6,500 National Guard members in New York’s prisons and calling on the Governor to negotiate in good faith with striking correction officers.

“This crisis demands real leadership, not reckless political stunts that put lives and safety at risk,” said Borrello. “Deploying the National Guard—composed of service members untrained in corrections—to replace striking officers is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. These men and women are being thrown into volatile environments without proper training, equipment, or support, putting everyone’s safety in jeopardy.”

In his letter, Senator Borrello cited alarming reports from National Guard members and their families, who describe inhumane conditions, lack of proper safety protocols, and dangerously inadequate training. A retired Air National Guard officer warned that Guard members with no corrections experience are being assigned to oversee some of the most violent inmates in the state—calling the situation “a powder keg about to explode.”

“The Governor’s claim that she doesn’t understand ‘what the issue is’ is nothing short of astonishing,” Borrello continued. “For two years, correction officers, their union, Republican legislators, and even the families of officers have been sounding the alarm about the growing crisis inside our prisons. They have warned about escalating violence caused by the HALT Act, chronic understaffing that forces officers into double and triple shifts, and the refusal to mandate body scanners for visitors—allowing dangerous drugs to flood our prisons. Yet, those warnings have been ignored.”

Senator Borrello emphasized that the only viable solution is for the Governor to immediately engage in serious negotiations with correction officers to address their long-standing concerns—starting with repealing the disastrous HALT Act.

“The safety of correction officers, National Guard members, and inmates alike is at stake,” said Borrello. “It is only a matter of time before this situation results in serious injury or loss of life. That responsibility will rest squarely on Governor Hochul’s shoulders unless she takes action now.”

Senator Borrello's letter to the governor is attached.